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| You can tell this tastes better than TBIR just by looking at it. |
1) TBIR cooks the onion. AMFT leaves it raw.
2) TBIR uses few (any? can't remember) fresh herbs. AMFT has basil, cilantro, and thyme, plus the zest and juice of a lemon.
3) TBIR instructs you to halve the eggplant and score it deeply in a diamond pattern, and drain it in a colander for 30 minutes after its cooked. AMFT tells you to throw the eggplant in the oven whole. No draining. Much less fussy.
With the exception, perhaps, of the raw onion, Dorie's version wins on all counts. I didn't mind the onion, but it's not my favorite thing.
Two weeks ago, when French Fridays with Dorie made slow-roasted tomatoes, I noticed that the sidebar suggested using them in eggplant caviar, so I did. Unfortunately, I can't tell you how they contributed to the dish, because while I was eating, my son sat on my lap and happily fished out and devoured every tomato. Hygienic? No. Adorable? Yes. Once he found all the tomatoes, he started licking scoops of eggplant off of a pita chip. Next time, I'll make it without the onion, because he kept spitting those bits out. It was one of those lovely, peaceful moments where you just enjoy watching your child eat well. I have to say, I've had lots more luck getting him to eat good food out of Around My French Table than I've had with any of the getting-your-kid-to-eat books that I have. Thanks, Dorie!
Conclusion: Liked it. Creamy, herbal, and fresh. What's not to like?
I had never made anything similar to this caviar dip before so I find your comparisons to the other recipe very interesting. Thanks for your kind comments about my presentation, but I actually forgot to do something that day.... I forgot to photograph the dip in its entirety just after I made it (before plating)! trust me, it looked like a messy glob in that bowl too. LOL. And it's great that your son is an amazing eater, I'm envious!
ReplyDeleteOh, believe me, he is not an amazing eater. In general, even when he likes something, he won't eat much of it. That's why I'm always so shocked and grateful when he likes one of Dorie's recipes!
ReplyDeleteToo funny...
ReplyDeleteI skipped the onion and didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. (I also gave up on most of the herbs - I was too frustrated at that point to be frilly...)
Glad this was a hit for you!
Yeah, I'm with your son on the yucky onions. Glad Dorie's eggplant caviar was enjoyed!
ReplyDelete''Fresh'' is exactly the word which kept coming to mind when we were eating this. Might be all the herbs she throws in there, but I also thought that it tasted more summery than my usual eggplant dip. Happy to hear that you (and your son) liked this one.
ReplyDeletewonderful comments about your son, considering we had similar reactions to the onion. :-) the roasted tomatoes sound like a great addition - and I loved the fresh herbs and zest. I've made this without, and I think its better with the addtions too.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the raw onion, I'd rather have it cooked also. The assortment of herbs is wonderful. Perfect appetizer dish!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great, I love your detailed comparison between the two recipes. Eggplant made this way is great, and too much raw onions can be unpleasant
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the raw onion.
ReplyDeleteAwww, what an adorable picture you painted of you and your son sharing the dip. Very glad you both enjoy the dish this week!
ReplyDeleteHey, if your sweet son ate this, I'd consider it a winner!!! Cute story~
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you compared and contrasted with another recipe. I've never made anything like this before. I agree with you (and your adorable son!) on the onion. And I will admit to liking the "dip" more today and on tortilla chips!
ReplyDeleteYour son defies my theory that most males don't like eggplant! Glad to hear he's enjoying it at a young age. I forgot that Dorie suggested the slow-roasted tomatoes in this. I'll bet that would have been fantastic.
ReplyDeleteYes! a healthy eggplant dip that is shared by adults and kids is a winner in my book!
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny watching kids eat, isn't it?! They zero right in on what they don't like and have no trouble discarding it. Your eggplant looks great - I love the color. Yours turned out so much darker than mine.
ReplyDeleteI am with you on the onion as well - how interesting that the other recipe has us cook them. I liked them raw, yet I think I will just use less next time. And I loved your story about your son fishing out the roasted tomatoes - how cute ! Nana was not a big fan of this dish but I will have her give it another shot when I make it again.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely story about your son - he's clearly got an early start on gourmet eating!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the comparisons ! It is interesting .I love this version for I love fresh herbs and raw onions :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a hit with your son! I too am looking forward to September recipes.
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